Senior Director of Philanthropy

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Philanthropy is a strategic leader responsible for the growth and sustainability of the Mandel JCC’s philanthropic efforts. Rooted in a legacy of Jewish values and communal responsibility, this role drives a donor-centric strategy that supports our mission to build a vibrant and inclusive community for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Operating within one of the strongest and most dedicated Jewish communities in North America, this individual manages high-capacity donor relationships while overseeing a department of 3.5 FTEs and supervising the integrated execution of grants and all agency fundraising events. While this role leads high-capacity engagement and our upcoming major capital campaign, the Senior Director is responsible for the health of the entire donor pipeline, ensuring that every supporter feels a meaningful connection to the Mandel JCC. Reporting to the CEO, they ensure that the agency’s vision is met through disciplined execution and measurable results.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Leadership & Capital Campaign Management

• Capital Campaign Leadership: Play a central leadership role in the Mandel JCC’s major capital campaign, driving strategy, setting milestones, and ensuring the campaign’s vision is communicated effectively to stakeholders.
• Major Gift Management: Actively manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors. Identify, cultivate, and solicit five- and six-figure gifts for the capital campaign, annual operations, and other strategic needs.
• Mission-Centered Stewardship: Ensure that solicitation and stewardship efforts authentically reflect the Mandel JCC’s Jewish heritage while resonating with a diverse and evolving donor base.
• Pipeline Advocacy: Oversee strategies that bridge the gap between annual program participants and long-term philanthropic partners, ensuring every donor understands their impact on the Mandel JCC mission.

2. Integrated Fundraising & Event Oversight

• Annual Campaign Oversight: Design and execute the Annual Campaign in partnership with lay leadership to meet or exceed revenue targets.
• Event Supervision & Strategy: Provide strategic oversight and direct supervision for all agency fundraising events. Ensure events serve as high-impact cultivation tools that successfully convert attendees into long-term donors for the Mandel JCC.
• Grant Strategy: Lead the full grant lifecycle for local and national foundations, ensuring that proposals reflect the Mandel JCC’s excellence and impact while maintaining rigorous reporting standards.

3. Operational Excellence, Data & Metrics

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a philanthropy department currently comprised of 3.5 FTEs, fostering a culture of accountability, professional growth, and collaboration.
• Metrics of Success: This role is accountable for specific performance metrics, including annual revenue growth (Annual and Capital), donor retention, and increase in investment rates.
• Data-Driven Decisions: Leverage CRM platforms (Salesforce) and analytics to track donor activity, analyze giving trends, and generate performance reports for the Executive Team.
• Stewardship: Design and maintain a robust recognition program that honors donors across all levels and highlights the human stories behind the Mandel JCC’s work.
• Board & Committee Support: Provide senior staff support to the Development Committee, equipping them with the data and training needed to serve as effective solicitors for the Mandel JCC.

4. Administrative & Other Duties

• Community Representation: Act as a key liaison to regional philanthropic partners, positioning the Mandel JCC as a vital anchor within Cleveland’s robust Jewish community and a premier communal institution in Northeast Ohio.
• Financial Oversight: Manage the department budget, ensuring ROI and accurate financial forecasting.
• Other Responsibilities: Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the President and CEO to support the evolving needs of the Mandel JCC.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Cultural Competence: Demonstrated understanding of Jewish communal life and philanthropic traditions is required. The candidate must be able to authentically represent the Mandel JCC’s mission within the community and to the broader public.
• Professional Experience: 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit development, with a proven track record of personally closing $100,000+ gifts. Experience in a leadership role during a capital campaign is highly preferred.
• Leadership: Demonstrated success in managing fundraising teams and working with volunteer boards.
• Communication: Exceptional writing and presentation skills; ability to articulate complex cases for support with clarity and passion.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft 365 and extensive experience with donor management CRMs and data analytics.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Nonprofit Management, Business, or Communications is required; an advanced degree is preferred.

Expectations of Employees

• Mission Alignment: Actively support and advance the mission, vision, and values of the Mandel JCC.
• Professional Integrity: Adhere to the AFP Code of Ethical Standards and maintain strict confidentiality regarding all donor and agency records.
• Service Excellence: Deliver exceptional experiences to donors, members, and community partners.